The Gujarati community reflects unbounded enthusiasm in the affairs of matrimonial alliance. Gujarati’s are known to exhibit adaptability, energy, and material progress, without sacrificing their traditional identity or essential simplicity in their matrimonial alliances. Gujarati matrimonials adhere to certain principles and practice, which reveal their deep-rooted sense of belonging to the Indian Community.
It is important to note however, that there maybe a slight differentiation in matrimonials and rituals performed due to the different Gujarati sects. However, the difference is negligible. The Gujarati originated from a thriving province and this is definitely reflected in the pre - matrimonial and post - matrimonial ceremonies that take place. Conservative by nature, when it comes to rituals and customs, the Gujarati family is held together by prayer and religious practices. read more..
Like in other Indian matrimonials and their alliances, the Gujarati community too begins a matrimonial alliance with pre - wedding rituals. The 'Chandlo' (applying the vermilion mark on the forehead) denotes the acceptance of a matrimonial alliance between two families. This is also known as the 'Chandlo Maatli'. This pre - matrimonial ceremony is conducted before the wedding date is fixed. After the priest has officiated the alliance, garlands are exchanged between the couple along with gifts between the two families. In the Gujarati community, an astrologer is consulted to fix an auspicious wedding date. Snacks or a meal usually follow this pre - matrimonial ceremony.
Another pre - matrimonial ritual that is undertaken is the 'Mandap Mahurat' at the homes of the Gujarati bride and the groom-to-be. The families pray to Lord Ganesh, the Hindu God, to seek his blessings and to remove all obstacles. The 'Ganesh Sthapana' or the 'Ganesh Matli' is the commencement of all Gujarati matrimonial festivities. In the Gujarati community, Lord Ganesha is always the first deity to be worshipped at any significant event. The 'puja' is performed in both homes by the paternal aunts and in return gesture, they are showered with lavish gifts for their efforts.
The Gujarati community's love for Garba & Dandia Raas reflects the vibrancy and ethnicity in Gujarati Weddings. The 'Garba Raas' is a graceful Gujarati folk dance, which captures the essence of celebration and is performed in large circles by women singing and dancing to the beat of the dhol (drum). Rhythmic dances performed with sticks or dandias are performed with the males joining in the fun. These folkdances are known as the 'Dandia Raas'. The 'Garba Dandia Raas' is normally held after sunset, up until midnight. This pre - matrimonial ritual is energetic and touches the pitch of celebrations. However, before this, the Gujarati bride and all the womenfolk adorn their hands with Mehendi (henna). Like in every Indian matrimonial ritual, Mehendi (henna) is ground into a paste and applied by professional mehendiwallis (henna artists) in fine design on the palms and feet of the bride.
The next Gujarati marriage ritual that follows is the 'Pithi' and involves the beautification of the bride and the groom-to-be. This is held simultaneously in both homes. This prepares the bride and groom for the actual holy matrimonial alliance. A paste called 'pithi' is prepared of sandalwood powder, turmeric, herbs, aromatic oils and rose water. The paste is then applied to the face, arms and legs of the groom and the bride by the members of respective families. The bride keeps this on until the pre - matrimonial ceremony of the 'Griha Shanti' is completed. A small ceremony called the 'Ookarhi Nautarvi' is conducted after the pithi, wherein the kaaki (paternal aunt) places an iron nail, a whole supari (betel nut) and a one - rupee coin in a shallow hole dug by the 'pujari'. The Gujarati's do this to ensure that no evil spirits enter the venue of the wedding. 'Griha Shanti', which is an important puja or prayer ritual, is then held at the respective matrimonial homes.
After the 'Griha Shanti', the 'Mandap Mandva Maharut' takes place. This Gujarati custom involves the constructing of the area for the actual Gujarati matrimonial rites. The parents of the couple seek the blessings of Mother Earth and ask permission to commence with the digging of the soil to erect the 'mandva' or 'mandap' (platform erected for the wedding rites covered with a canopy). Another Gujarati custom worthy of mention is the 'Mosaalu', which originated centuries ago. Here, the parents start making provisions for their daughter by gifting her with things on occasions like 'Rakshabandhan' or 'Bhaibheej'. These gifts accumulate as 'Streedhan' (daughter's wealth). The Gujarati also follow this custom along with the 'Naada - Chadi', where the 'mama' (maternal uncle) comes with the 'Mosaalu' consisting of clothes, jewelry and other gift items including the traditional Paanetar (silk wedding sari - usually white with red border) and Chudo (ivory bangle - now replaced with acrylic or plastic). The 'Mosaalu' ceremony takes place one day before the wedding.
The 'Lagna', or the matrimonial ceremony, begins with the 'Jaan' or 'Varghodo' (grooms procession to the matrimonial venue). The groom arrives at the venue and seeks blessings from his mother-in-law, who then performs a ceremony to ward off evil eyes. Meanwhile, before being led to the Mandap, the bride receives her last gift Kanya Selu or a Gharcholu (a platter with a sari, some jewellery, pretty footwear, and a Mangalsutra). The sari is draped around her shoulders and she is led to receive the groom. Garlands (Mangalsutra Varmala) are then exchanged and the bride is escorted by her Mama (maternal uncle) to the mandap. The Gujarati matrimonial rituals progress to the 'Kanya Daan', which is conducted in front of the sacred matrimonial fire. The bride's parents, who give her away, fast all day, until the actual matrimonial alliance ritual is over.
This Gujarati Wedding is then followed by 'Hasta Milap' (Hast Melap). A knot is tied with the bride's sari and the groom's chunni. Symbolically, the hands are also joined to potray the union of two souls. 'Pheras' (rounds) take place around the fire as the priest (archarya) chants mantras. The seven pheras around the fire are known as 'Saptapadi' or 'Mangal Pheras'.
The 'Vidai' now takes place and involves the sending of the bride to her new matrimonial house. This post - Gujarati matrimonial ritual is very tearful and emotional on the bridal side. It is important to conduct this ritual at an auspicious time. Before leaving the house, the groom and the bride leave imprints of their palms (dipped in vermilion) on the Ganesh Sthapna. The bride is then escorted by her brother to her sasural (in-law's house). The welcoming of the bride into her matrimonial house with an aarti and a tikka on her forehead is known as the 'Varghodu Pokhvanu'.
Though the Gujarati communities are traditional, they have integrated modernism into their matrimonial system with the post and final matrimonial ritual of the Reception. The reception is lavish and elaborateness is spelled out in the food offered to the guests. The post - matrimonial celebration of a Gujarati reception is usually held in a hotel or a marriage hall. The couple starts their new life exhilarated by the blessings bestowed upon them by all the elders present.